China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges Launched in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, January 8, 2026: The 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges was formally launched on Thursday at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, signaling a new chapter in cultural, educational, and diplomatic ties between China and Africa. Over 200 participants attended the event, including African Union officials, diplomats, UN representatives, and senior officials from Ethiopia.

Wang Yi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese Foreign Minister, read out a congratulatory letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping and delivered a keynote address highlighting the significance of mutual learning among civilizations in advancing China-Africa modernization.

In his speech, Wang emphasized that people-to-people exchanges form the strongest foundation of China-Africa friendship, while mutual learning among civilizations serves as the driving force for deeper cooperation. He called on China and Africa to prioritize development, uphold fairness, strengthen solidarity, and foster openness and inclusiveness amid a rapidly changing global landscape.

African leaders, including Jean-Claude Gakosso, Foreign Minister of the Republic of the Congo and African co-chair of FOCAC, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, hailed the initiative as a milestone for China-Africa relations. They expressed confidence that the year-long program will enhance cultural, educational, and youth exchanges, and strengthen civilizational dialogue between the continents.

The African side also highlighted the historical ties and enduring friendship between China and Africa. They expressed support for China’s Global Governance Initiative and reaffirmed their commitment to Belt and Road projects and FOCAC frameworks, aiming for mutually beneficial development in trade, connectivity, agriculture, education, and telecommunications.

The event underscored that China and Africa are poised to work together to safeguard international order, promote peace, and drive sustainable development, with people-to-people exchanges at the heart of this partnership.